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Integrity in the public sector

using powers responsibly, for the purpose and in the manner for which they were intended

acting with honesty and transparency, making reasoned decisions without bias by following fair and objective processes

preventing and addressing improper conduct, disclosing facts without hiding or distorting them

not allowing decisions or actions to be influenced by personal or private interests.

Official conduct

Conduct is the manner in which you behave, the decisions you make and how you make those decisions. As public sector officer, your conduct is guided by legislation which governs the public sector, the public sector Code of Ethics, and your agency's code of conduct and policies.

Conflicts of interest

In the public sector context, a conflict of interest involves a conflict between a public officer’s duties and their personal or private interests. Conflicts of interest can be actual, perceived or potential.

Integrity in decision making

Political impartiality

The public sector serves the public as determined by the democratically elected Government of the day, without bias towards one political party or another. This ‘political impartiality’ endures so there is continuity in the business of government regardless of which party is in power.

Raising concerns

Wrongdoing in the public sector can be reported in a number of ways, which may be dependent on the subject matter and often at the choice of the person reporting the wrongdoing.